Producers: Viewers may find some surprises in Reagan film

PETOSKEY -- A soon-to-debut documentary miniseries will cover many memorable aspects of Ronald Reagan's presidency, but two of the key participants in the project note that viewers may find some surprising details as well.

"The Reagan Presidency" will air on PBS affiliates starting this winter, with premiere events planned in Petoskey -- home to the documentary's executive producer David Crouse, of Crouse Entertainment Group -- and elsewhere.

The three-hour miniseries is one of more than 40 documentary film projects completed by Chip Duncan of The Duncan Group. His interest in a Reagan project grew while working on an earlier film about another U.S. president, Herbert Hoover.

Duncan, a Milwaukee resident and the writer/director of the new documentary, noted that he came of age during Reagan's years in the White House.

"I was very aware of and focused in on Reagan's policies at the time," Duncan said. "I found him a very compelling figure."

The reverence Reagan often receives in Republican circles adds to his potential as a film subject, Duncan added.

Development work toward the film began in earnest during 2009, with production beginning the following year and concluding in 2012.

"(Duncan) convinced me that the time was not only right but critical to effectively tell the story of the Reagan presidency," Crouse said.

Many of those who worked with and knew Reagan are advancing in age, Crouse noted, and the producers sought to take advantage of their recollections.

The miniseries, focusing on the period from 1979 to 1989, includes interviews with 20-plus figures familiar with Reagan and his presidency. Among them are members of Reagan's cabinet, former U.S. legislators, former vice president and 1984 Democratic presidential candidate Walter Mondale, journalists, historians, ambassadors, national security figures and several scholars and leaders from abroad.

"There's a lot of high-profile subjects," Duncan said. "Scheduling was the most difficult part in terms of (arranging interviews)."

One hour of the miniseries focuses on the domestic scene during Reagan's presidency, with two hours devoted to foreign policy.

With Reagan's presidency occurring during the waning years of the Cold War, many recall the attention he gave to the former Soviet Union. "The Reagan Presidency" addresses this aspect of the Reagan era, with Crouse noting that viewers also can learn about lesser-known foreign policy efforts focused on the Middle East -- efforts that were precursors to the U.S. "war on terror."

While Reagan is remembered on the political right for his advocacy of small government and other conservative principles, Duncan noted that the documentary also reveals cases when the president worked across party lines, and his involvement in increasing as well as decreasing taxes.

Duncan, one of about 10 core participants in the Reagan film project, noted that objectivity was a priority throughout.

"We don't go in with any preconceived notions, and that's why we get the interview subjects that we do," he said. "It's not punditry. It's very far removed from that world."

Aerospace manufacturer Boeing Corp. provided support for "The Reagan Presidency," with additional funding from BNSF Railways. Funding for the film also has been provided by Ambassador Robert D. Stuart Jr., the Brinson Foundation and Karen and Ron Miller.

"For us, it's significant to be able to work with companies like Boeing and BNSF because they're trusting in our skills," said Crouse, who was actively involved in the financial development work for the documentary. "We're grateful for their support."

CMU Public Broadcasting will present a sneak preview of the documentary at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10, at Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey, with the Petoskey News-Review providing sponsorship for the event. The PBS affiliate also plans a Jan. 9 preview for the Reagan miniseries in Flint.

Following the screening in Petoskey, Duncan and Crouse will offer a presentation with question-and-answer opportunities. A reception for members of the Crooked Tree organization will then follow.

There is no admission charge for the event at Crooked Tree, but those who plan to attend should reserve a seat in advance at crookedtree.org or by calling (231) 347-4337.